Vernon Watkins

Vernon Watkins

Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times

A photograph in Vernon Watkins' home shows him with former South African President Nelson Mandela. Watkins attended the March on Washington in 1963, at age 24, and later became one of California's leading union organizers.

A photograph in Vernon Watkins' home shows him with former South African President Nelson Mandela. Watkins attended the March on Washington in 1963, at age 24, and later became one of California's leading union organizers. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

A photograph in Vernon Watkins' home shows him with former South African President Nelson Mandela. Watkins attended the March on Washington in 1963, at age 24, and later became one of California's leading union organizers.